Our Reading: Psalm 103, Isaiah 12:3-6, & John 15:10
Perspective and attitude make all the difference. We have not had opportunity to meet with David or engage him in conversation, but he has shown us the deepest essence of his heart. David’s heart was sure of God’s heart and because of that every fiber of his being was grateful and reverent. Worship naturally flowed from his innermost being because he meditated upon and did not take for granted the unmerited blessings God had provided.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” v1-2
Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? Apparently David had that habit for he begins to make a list. Included here:
- God forgives our iniquities. (v3) David certainly had great iniquities, including adultery and murder and he understood the blessing of forgiveness. Without God’s forgiveness there could be no other blessings at all for we could not have relationship with God. All sin separates us from God and there is nothing we can do to bridge that gap. Only God can make us holy.
- God heals our diseases. (v3) God does not cure every physical illness or infirmity this side of Heaven. David knew that for God did not spare the life of his infant child. But there is healing in our relationship with God. Only He can heal the pain and affliction of sin upon our hearts, souls, and minds. Sometimes, He may also provide us physical healing in this life.
- God redeems our life from the pit. (v4) David knew dark places and caves where he had to hide from those who wanted to take his life. God protected him and sustained Him in his darkest days. God can sustain us through our trials as well and provide eternal life for us, sparing us the death we deserve.
- God crowns us with steadfast love and mercy. (V4) God favors us. We get His abundant never ending, unchangeable love and mercy. We get to be adopted into His royal forever family.
As we continue to read through this Psalm, we see that David is just getting started. He continues to list out the wonders of God and God’s mercy and favor upon man. I think my favorite verses, however, describe the God who is compassionate toward us, remembering that we struggle, and muck things up and can be bratty, and selfish and ungrateful. He remembers our limitations and He is patient with us. We may fail Him many times over but His love is bigger than any of our limitations.
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,” (v13-17)
Refection:
- Just reading David’s gratitude list lifts my heart. How about yours? Do you think gratitude is necessary to offer true praise and honor to God?
- What would be included in your gratitude list? Do you make a habit of not forgetting God’s goodness and mercy toward you? Do you tell others?
- Like a loving father, God disciplines us but He doesn’t give up on us. Does it encourage you to know that God knows your limitations and loves You anyway? Does that make it easier to repent and seek restoration?
Prayer: Father, we thank You for Your many blessings and we want to give You praise and adoration that comes from our innermost being. How blessed we are to have a Father who forgives us, disciplines and teaches us and is ever patient and merciful to us. Your forgiveness is beyond our ability to forgive and Your love is beyond our ability to love. May our hearts ever grow to know and trust Your heart. May we join the psalmist in worship: “Bless the Lord, O my soul,”